Day 1Arrive in Tunis, Tunisia

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to see some of Tunis. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 2Tunis. Excursion to Dougga, Carthage & Sidi-Bou-Said

A delightful blend of ancient and modern, This morning visit Dougga archeological site with the best- preserved Roman remains-the most extensive in Tunisia and spectacularly set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountain. Head back to Tunis and it's colourful medina for lunch. In the afternoon enjoy included excursions to the ancient Carthage city ruins and to the Andalusian-looking village of Sidi-Bou-Said . (B,L,D)

Day 3Tunis–Monastir–El Djem–Sfax

This morning, head towards Monastir, a city nestled in the shade of its walls. Here, visit the Old Town and kasbah where the Monty Python movie Life of Brian was filmed. Then, we head for El Djem. This impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site features the remains of an imposing 3rd-century Roman colosseum that originally seated 30,000. Today’s destination is Sfax on the Gulf of Gabes, a former Barbary pirate stronghold and now Tunisia’s second-largest city. (B,D)

Day 4Sfax–Gabes–Matmata–Tamezret–Douz

After a visit to the Medina of Sfax, journey to Gabes, an oasis by the sea and famous for its spice market. Later, turn inland and head for Matmata, renowned for its underground troglodyte village that was inhabited until the 1960s and served as the setting for the original Star Wars film. Follow the twisting road and stop in Tamezret, a complete contrast to Matmata and featuring stone houses and streets lined with high walls. Continue to the desert outpost of Douz, the largest oasis in western Tunisia and gateway to the Sahara. Later, take an optional camel ride into the desert. (B,L,D)

Day 5Douz–Kebili–Chott El Jerid–Tozeur

Travel via Kebili and cross the salt lake of Chott el Jerid to Tozeur, an important oasis on the ancient caravan route between Algeria and Tunisia. How about an exciting optional Jeep excursion to the mountain oasis of Chebika? This evening, consider an optional folklore show with dinner. (B,L)

Day 6Tozeur–Red Lizard Train–Gafsa–Sbeitla–Kairouan

After breakfast, drive to Metlaoui Selja to board the “Old Bey’s” train, known as the “Red Lizard.” The spectacular 2-hour rail journey through the narrow Selja gorges affords plenty of opportunity to take stunning photographs. Following a lunch stop in Gafsa, travel to Sbeitla for an included visit to the Roman ruins. On to the sacred city of Kairouan for an overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Day 7Kairouan–Tunis

This morning visit the Grand Mosque in Kairouan before heading back to the capital city of Tunis. Visit the medina and the famous Bardo museum, housing the finest Roman mosaics in the world. (B,D)

Day 8Tunis

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Transportation:
Scheduled transatlantic flights and airport transfers in Tunis if Cosmos issues the air tickets. Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Red Lizard train ride

Buffet breakfasts; 4 lunches; 5 dinners